---------------------------------------------------------- RV9-List Digest Archive --- Total Messages Posted Fri 12/20/02: 1 ---------------------------------------------------------- Today's Message Index: ---------------------- 1. 09:48 AM - Re: Cargo tiedowns (Norman) ________________________________ Message 1 _____________________________________ Time: 09:48:24 AM PST US From: "Norman" Subject: Re: RV9-List: Cargo tiedowns --> RV9-List message posted by: "Norman" I made these little metal plates that have a hole in each end 1 1/2" apart. A small loop of chain link is welded to each plate making a tiedown ring. I then installed pairs of nutplates 1 1/2" apart throughout my baggage compartment. I even went up the sides and into my ski rack luggage compartment. I will eventually make a cargo net, probably out of one that I salvage from a modern car. Many new cars and SUVs these days come with nice looking black cargo nets. The plan is that all these pieces are removable for local sport flight but he aircraft can be set up for different configurations of XC very quickly. The ski rack has a hard to describe structure in the middle that serves to hold the left seat belt shoulder harness cable above the compartments floor (height of the longerons). This structure was made very strong out of 1 1/2" .125 angle. It has slots cut into the upright that are designed to take small ratcheting straps (motorcycle stlye). I want the skis to be held extremely tight. > You can also use a couple as places to stow the tiedown rings in flight. > I made mine so that with the rings screwed into them, they were located so they could be used as baggage tiedowns. > Less drag, and fewer items on the ceiling. Nice idea. For those that don't know, Aircraft Spruce sells nutplates in six sizes right up to 3//8" (held in by 1/8" rivets). Vans kits only use the two smallest sizes. Also very usefull when making custom panels are floating nutplates. Norman Hunger RV6A Delta BC